Thursday, January 26, 2006
Shaving my legs... why do it?
Heather, 16, from Australia asks: Let me just start by giving you kudos for some of your impeccable advice giving, I’ve asked you questions before in the past and your responses have been nothing less than comforting and satisfying, thank you. This is a pretty basic question, and the answer may be obvious, but I really need a decent insight on this. I’ve only ever shaved my legs completely once. Not only does it sting and cause rashes, I fail to see the point. There is a prickly aftermath and it’s time consuming. How has it become such a growing trend? Sure the silky smooth legs are nice on occasion, but for me it wore off after about a day, after sitting in my bathroom for over 3 hours (even that could have been just caused from inexperience)… A fair few of the people I know seem to have a lot of trouble dealing with the fact that I have leg hair believe it or not, both girls and guys, and my previous boyfriends never mentioned it being a problem. The main reason I asked you this is because, I was having a conversation with who I thought was a pretty cool guy, until he became hooked on the idea that I needed to change who I am. Apparently just about all guys don’t like girls that don’t shave their legs, I tried to explain to him that if it really matters that much to someone that I don’t then I won’t waste my time with them, but he kept bringing up that I have to. He just ignored me and kept on with it. I’d like to know why it bothers so many people; I’ll never have long black prickly hairs, and you can barely see them as they are. He’s one of about 20 other people that have harassed me about it, is there anything I can do? (Other than give up and shave, because that’s out of the question.) Much love and many thanks, Heather.
VictorM's advice: The short answer to why it bothers so many people: marketing! There is no money to be made if you don't shave, so billions are spent convincing you that somehow you're more advanced in the food chain if you conform. It becomes awfully difficult to buck the trends when billions of people buy into those trends. Your choices are to conform or to be an outcast. Society isn't kind to outcasts, even for something is insignificant as not shaving your legs.
I'm sure there are many other things that you do that are unnecessary. You probably eat with a fork and knife, but for many thousands of years, bare hands did the trick. In some cultures a daily shower is expected, others see no point in showering so often. Body odor is repugnant to most of us, but that hasn't always been so, and isn't so today in many societies. I'm sure your habits in those areas are aligned with what your society has dictated, even if they are unnecessary.
Your description of the hassles of shaving your legs seem way out of line with most women I know. Yeah, many consider it some hassle -- so do I about shaving my face -- but these are things that get easier as they become routine. Your skin becomes less irritated the more you do it to the point where it's not a problem (with some exceptions.) Many women shave below the knees more often and above the knees less often. Many do a quick go over every day with a blade while in the shower adding maybe a minute more or so to that daily routine and thus avoiding the stubly feeling. And my lord, they sell you all kinds of stuff to make it easier to shave and be less irritant afterwards.
There is no doubt that smooth silky legs is, for most guys, one of the most appealing things on a woman. And sure, at 16, when you have nothing but some peach fuzz and hardly visible, yeah, it makes little different. But it's not going to be that way as you get older.
If you don't want to shave, don't shave. Enough people will be OK with that. If you want to get the others off your back, say you have a medical condition that prevents you from shaving. (Yeah, white lies do come in handy sometimes.) But not shaving your legs on principle is silly. You're not going to win any Nobel prize over that sort of stance. There are plenty of injustices and meanness in the world; why waste energies on something so petty?
Two more things: one, thank you for you compliments about my answers; two, your male friend is an idiot -- shave his nuts off!
VictorM's advice: The short answer to why it bothers so many people: marketing! There is no money to be made if you don't shave, so billions are spent convincing you that somehow you're more advanced in the food chain if you conform. It becomes awfully difficult to buck the trends when billions of people buy into those trends. Your choices are to conform or to be an outcast. Society isn't kind to outcasts, even for something is insignificant as not shaving your legs.
I'm sure there are many other things that you do that are unnecessary. You probably eat with a fork and knife, but for many thousands of years, bare hands did the trick. In some cultures a daily shower is expected, others see no point in showering so often. Body odor is repugnant to most of us, but that hasn't always been so, and isn't so today in many societies. I'm sure your habits in those areas are aligned with what your society has dictated, even if they are unnecessary.
Your description of the hassles of shaving your legs seem way out of line with most women I know. Yeah, many consider it some hassle -- so do I about shaving my face -- but these are things that get easier as they become routine. Your skin becomes less irritated the more you do it to the point where it's not a problem (with some exceptions.) Many women shave below the knees more often and above the knees less often. Many do a quick go over every day with a blade while in the shower adding maybe a minute more or so to that daily routine and thus avoiding the stubly feeling. And my lord, they sell you all kinds of stuff to make it easier to shave and be less irritant afterwards.
There is no doubt that smooth silky legs is, for most guys, one of the most appealing things on a woman. And sure, at 16, when you have nothing but some peach fuzz and hardly visible, yeah, it makes little different. But it's not going to be that way as you get older.
If you don't want to shave, don't shave. Enough people will be OK with that. If you want to get the others off your back, say you have a medical condition that prevents you from shaving. (Yeah, white lies do come in handy sometimes.) But not shaving your legs on principle is silly. You're not going to win any Nobel prize over that sort of stance. There are plenty of injustices and meanness in the world; why waste energies on something so petty?
Two more things: one, thank you for you compliments about my answers; two, your male friend is an idiot -- shave his nuts off!
Comments:
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Well monkey girl, not everyone will have a problem with it. Just like you said... if someone doesn't like it then you shouldn't be wasting your time with them. Stay hairy... some people like the hippie thing.
leg hair removal really is a personal and private thing. People ought to do what they feel comfortable with.
Some hairy people feel better being clean shaven and this is their choice.
Freedom to choose I say!
Some hairy people feel better being clean shaven and this is their choice.
Freedom to choose I say!
It's funny how when it comes to abortion people say, "My body, my business" but when it comes to shaving armpits and leg hair it's all of a sudden everyone else's business what you do with your body. You don't want to shave, then don't! Let people live with it. Their reaction is up to them -- it's not your problem that they're brainwashed by the media and told how to think and live. Funny again how people also attack the religious saying they don't think for themselves when so many non religious people buy into all of these "rules" about how to think, what to buy and how to live. HA HA HA!
# posted by 
: 11:53 AM
: 11:53 AM
Cause there are girls who will shave their legs without asking and those are the girls we prefer to ask out.
Don't blame us, blame high maintenance females, they are your competition.
Cheers,
Napoleon Will's blog
Feel free to email with questions or comments
Don't blame us, blame high maintenance females, they are your competition.
Cheers,
Napoleon Will's blog
Feel free to email with questions or comments
Shave or don't shave, it's up to you! You said it yourself, if someone doesn't like it that's their problem. You can choose not to waste your time on people who just want to have a go at you for the way you choose to look. You can't make everyone happy, and you should force yourself to change because someone thinks you should.
I disagree with victor- you won't be an outcast if you don't shave you're legs, but you will be a minority. But there are many women who don't shave, and many men who like women because they are not obsessed about their body image and actually don't care about leg hair. Who knows, maybe you'd actually be interested in guys who think along the same lines as you, the kinds of people worth spending your time on. I know many of those kinds of people- they do exist!
I disagree with victor- you won't be an outcast if you don't shave you're legs, but you will be a minority. But there are many women who don't shave, and many men who like women because they are not obsessed about their body image and actually don't care about leg hair. Who knows, maybe you'd actually be interested in guys who think along the same lines as you, the kinds of people worth spending your time on. I know many of those kinds of people- they do exist!
# posted by : 2:30 PM
: 2:30 PM
Haha I didn't shave until I was about 14, and I do have deep-rooted black hairs, so I copped a lot of shit about it at school (but I'm spiteful). I like the silky smooth, but for me that lasts less than a day.
I don't know why it takes so long for you to do it, but in case you don't, you should definitely try using soap in the shower. Or, since your skin is sensitive, buy a shave cream for women.
Even try waxing, a luxury too painful for me :P Or sensitive skin hair removal cream - these last longer so it's not such a hassle.
I don't know why it takes so long for you to do it, but in case you don't, you should definitely try using soap in the shower. Or, since your skin is sensitive, buy a shave cream for women.
Even try waxing, a luxury too painful for me :P Or sensitive skin hair removal cream - these last longer so it's not such a hassle.
# posted by : 8:13 AM
: 8:13 AM
i hate having to shave but i do because my bf says it is sexy.i use VENUS BREEZE and it is a shaver thats comfortable and leaves a nice shave.you should try it. if you dont like it,go with the hippie thing,its kool
# posted by : 12:32 PM
: 12:32 PM
when it comes to the upper half...Ive never shaved...so it's blond really thin and you can barely see...but the lower half...it's dark and thick and I hate the way it looks...that's the only reason why i do...since I dont wear shorts or skirts...nobody is gonna see it either way
# posted by : 9:06 AM
: 9:06 AM
I will tell you. I have very sensitive skin and have tried everything possible. I shave maybe once a week, but closer to once every two weeks. I hate everything about it. My boyfriend loves me either way and isn't weird when he touches my legs if they aren't shaven. Like you said, if someone really cares about you they won't care.
# posted by : 3:44 AM
: 3:44 AM
If shaving irrates you so bad then just use like nair or something. It odens irritate your skin, (unless your allergic) but it works in about 5-10 minutes, nd you can apply it and while you wait do your hair really fast or something.
easy, simple, painless, and the bottle last longer than the razors.
:]
easy, simple, painless, and the bottle last longer than the razors.
:]
# posted by : 6:32 PM
: 6:32 PM
You don't have to shave your legs, its a personal decision. If you dont want to...dont. However, what you are describing is NOT typical. It should take no longer than 5 minutes at most to shave both of your legs if you do so in the shower. How you manage to stretch such a task to THREE HOURS....is franly, absolutely beyond my comprehension...That just makes no sense whatsoever even for a beginner.
You can reduce the irritation...by
*always applying soap and water OR shaving cream to your legs before shaving...NEVER shave your leg while it is dry. That WILL cause rashes, bleeding, stinging, bumps, etc.
*Always use a clean shaver...not an old dull one, which will make shaving harder.
*Apply a womans after shave or a soothing aloe cream to your legs after you have shaved and dried your legs.
*There are also creams sold over the counter at drugstores to reduce bumps and redness...
*You could also try waxing...get it done at a salon or try an at home kit...the results last longer
*If the hair does get dark, you could also bleach it within minutes using an at home kit sold in drugstores
Or just...be yourself and dont do anything at all, but except that some people may have a problem with it...and thats not YOUR problem.
You can reduce the irritation...by
*always applying soap and water OR shaving cream to your legs before shaving...NEVER shave your leg while it is dry. That WILL cause rashes, bleeding, stinging, bumps, etc.
*Always use a clean shaver...not an old dull one, which will make shaving harder.
*Apply a womans after shave or a soothing aloe cream to your legs after you have shaved and dried your legs.
*There are also creams sold over the counter at drugstores to reduce bumps and redness...
*You could also try waxing...get it done at a salon or try an at home kit...the results last longer
*If the hair does get dark, you could also bleach it within minutes using an at home kit sold in drugstores
Or just...be yourself and dont do anything at all, but except that some people may have a problem with it...and thats not YOUR problem.
# posted by : 7:18 PM
: 7:18 PM
You don't have to shave your legs, its a personal decision. If you dont want to...dont. However, what you are describing is NOT typical. It should take no longer than 5 minutes at most to shave both of your legs if you do so in the shower. How you manage to stretch such a task to THREE HOURS....is franly, absolutely beyond my comprehension...That just makes no sense whatsoever even for a beginner.
You can reduce the irritation...by
*always applying soap and water OR shaving cream to your legs before shaving...NEVER shave your leg while it is dry. That WILL cause rashes, bleeding, stinging, bumps, etc.
*Always use a clean shaver...not an old dull one, which will make shaving harder.
*Apply a womans after shave or a soothing aloe cream to your legs after you have shaved and dried your legs.
*There are also creams sold over the counter at drugstores to reduce bumps and redness...
*You could also try waxing...get it done at a salon or try an at home kit...the results last longer
*If the hair does get dark, you could also bleach it within minutes using an at home kit sold in drugstores
Or just...be yourself and dont do anything at all, but except that some people may have a problem with it...and thats not YOUR problem.
You can reduce the irritation...by
*always applying soap and water OR shaving cream to your legs before shaving...NEVER shave your leg while it is dry. That WILL cause rashes, bleeding, stinging, bumps, etc.
*Always use a clean shaver...not an old dull one, which will make shaving harder.
*Apply a womans after shave or a soothing aloe cream to your legs after you have shaved and dried your legs.
*There are also creams sold over the counter at drugstores to reduce bumps and redness...
*You could also try waxing...get it done at a salon or try an at home kit...the results last longer
*If the hair does get dark, you could also bleach it within minutes using an at home kit sold in drugstores
Or just...be yourself and dont do anything at all, but except that some people may have a problem with it...and thats not YOUR problem.
# posted by : 7:18 PM
: 7:18 PM
You don't have to shave your legs, its a personal decision. If you dont want to...dont. However, what you are describing is NOT typical. It should take no longer than 5 minutes at most to shave both of your legs if you do so in the shower. How you manage to stretch such a task to THREE HOURS....is franly, absolutely beyond my comprehension...That just makes no sense whatsoever even for a beginner.
You can reduce the irritation...by
*always applying soap and water OR shaving cream to your legs before shaving...NEVER shave your leg while it is dry. That WILL cause rashes, bleeding, stinging, bumps, etc.
*Always use a clean shaver...not an old dull one, which will make shaving harder.
*Apply a womans after shave or a soothing aloe cream to your legs after you have shaved and dried your legs.
*There are also creams sold over the counter at drugstores to reduce bumps and redness...
*You could also try waxing...get it done at a salon or try an at home kit...the results last longer
*If the hair does get dark, you could also bleach it within minutes using an at home kit sold in drugstores
Or just...be yourself and dont do anything at all, but except that some people may have a problem with it...and thats not YOUR problem.
You can reduce the irritation...by
*always applying soap and water OR shaving cream to your legs before shaving...NEVER shave your leg while it is dry. That WILL cause rashes, bleeding, stinging, bumps, etc.
*Always use a clean shaver...not an old dull one, which will make shaving harder.
*Apply a womans after shave or a soothing aloe cream to your legs after you have shaved and dried your legs.
*There are also creams sold over the counter at drugstores to reduce bumps and redness...
*You could also try waxing...get it done at a salon or try an at home kit...the results last longer
*If the hair does get dark, you could also bleach it within minutes using an at home kit sold in drugstores
Or just...be yourself and dont do anything at all, but except that some people may have a problem with it...and thats not YOUR problem.
# posted by : 7:18 PM
: 7:18 PM
You don't have to shave your legs, its a personal decision. If you dont want to...dont. However, what you are describing is NOT typical. It should take no longer than 5 minutes at most to shave both of your legs if you do so in the shower. How you manage to stretch such a task to THREE HOURS....is franly, absolutely beyond my comprehension...That just makes no sense whatsoever even for a beginner.
You can reduce the irritation...by
*always applying soap and water OR shaving cream to your legs before shaving...NEVER shave your leg while it is dry. That WILL cause rashes, bleeding, stinging, bumps, etc.
*Always use a clean shaver...not an old dull one, which will make shaving harder.
*Apply a womans after shave or a soothing aloe cream to your legs after you have shaved and dried your legs.
*There are also creams sold over the counter at drugstores to reduce bumps and redness...
*You could also try waxing...get it done at a salon or try an at home kit...the results last longer
*If the hair does get dark, you could also bleach it within minutes using an at home kit sold in drugstores
Or just...be yourself and dont do anything at all, but except that some people may have a problem with it...and thats not YOUR problem.
You can reduce the irritation...by
*always applying soap and water OR shaving cream to your legs before shaving...NEVER shave your leg while it is dry. That WILL cause rashes, bleeding, stinging, bumps, etc.
*Always use a clean shaver...not an old dull one, which will make shaving harder.
*Apply a womans after shave or a soothing aloe cream to your legs after you have shaved and dried your legs.
*There are also creams sold over the counter at drugstores to reduce bumps and redness...
*You could also try waxing...get it done at a salon or try an at home kit...the results last longer
*If the hair does get dark, you could also bleach it within minutes using an at home kit sold in drugstores
Or just...be yourself and dont do anything at all, but except that some people may have a problem with it...and thats not YOUR problem.
# posted by : 7:18 PM
: 7:18 PM
You don't have to shave your legs, its a personal decision. If you dont want to...dont. However, what you are describing is NOT typical. It should take no longer than 5 minutes at most to shave both of your legs if you do so in the shower. How you manage to stretch such a task to THREE HOURS....is franly, absolutely beyond my comprehension...That just makes no sense whatsoever even for a beginner.
You can reduce the irritation...by
*always applying soap and water OR shaving cream to your legs before shaving...NEVER shave your leg while it is dry. That WILL cause rashes, bleeding, stinging, bumps, etc.
*Always use a clean shaver...not an old dull one, which will make shaving harder.
*Apply a womans after shave or a soothing aloe cream to your legs after you have shaved and dried your legs.
*There are also creams sold over the counter at drugstores to reduce bumps and redness...
*You could also try waxing...get it done at a salon or try an at home kit...the results last longer
*If the hair does get dark, you could also bleach it within minutes using an at home kit sold in drugstores
Or just...be yourself and dont do anything at all, but except that some people may have a problem with it...and thats not YOUR problem.
You can reduce the irritation...by
*always applying soap and water OR shaving cream to your legs before shaving...NEVER shave your leg while it is dry. That WILL cause rashes, bleeding, stinging, bumps, etc.
*Always use a clean shaver...not an old dull one, which will make shaving harder.
*Apply a womans after shave or a soothing aloe cream to your legs after you have shaved and dried your legs.
*There are also creams sold over the counter at drugstores to reduce bumps and redness...
*You could also try waxing...get it done at a salon or try an at home kit...the results last longer
*If the hair does get dark, you could also bleach it within minutes using an at home kit sold in drugstores
Or just...be yourself and dont do anything at all, but except that some people may have a problem with it...and thats not YOUR problem.
# posted by : 7:18 PM
: 7:18 PM
I love myself! (I'm not saying that those who shave don't love themselves) That's why I don't shave. I love my soft (not prickly) legs and the extra time I have not spending it shaving. I'm not a "hippie", just a mammal, and high on the food chain at that!
I found ways to look good and still not be a slave to marketing, industry, alot of commercialism, and fashion- which always changes and is unreliable. Hell, what did these things ever give me!? Second glances from guys who only base their opinions on surface things??
I've already suffered enough from those types. I love the freedom and my self-confidence.
I am considerate of others though- if I feel that baring my un-shaven legs is really going to be offensive to others or inappropriate (like a guy going on a job interview at an office in a tank top and baring his hairy pits and chest), then I wear appropriate clothing. A certain modesty is key there. Ultimately we all have to comfortable with our choices considering everything, including the kind of people we're trying to attract, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Oh, one more thing, my husband doesn't mind at all. He's so cool.
I found ways to look good and still not be a slave to marketing, industry, alot of commercialism, and fashion- which always changes and is unreliable. Hell, what did these things ever give me!? Second glances from guys who only base their opinions on surface things??
I've already suffered enough from those types. I love the freedom and my self-confidence.
I am considerate of others though- if I feel that baring my un-shaven legs is really going to be offensive to others or inappropriate (like a guy going on a job interview at an office in a tank top and baring his hairy pits and chest), then I wear appropriate clothing. A certain modesty is key there. Ultimately we all have to comfortable with our choices considering everything, including the kind of people we're trying to attract, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Oh, one more thing, my husband doesn't mind at all. He's so cool.
To: Sheri. Yes, you *are* saying that girls who shave their legs don't love themselves. You say that you're not a "hippie", but then make broad, sweeping generalized accusations that leg shaving is slavery to "marketing, industry and commercialism" - that sounds like a "hippie chick" to me. ;)
# posted by : 7:31 PM
: 7:31 PM
guys are not with you for who you are if there are wanting you to chane and you shouldnt waste your time
to be honest i hant shaved my legs for 4 month and there like my brothers lmao, its winter also and i just dont see the point if im not going to wear skirts in the winter and i only wear shorts around the house my brother and his mates just laugh along with it im going to only shave them once cause im going to a party then leaving them till i need to do them ha
but its upto you if you dont want to do it its your body dont do it for someone else like i said the guy aint worth your time and doesnt want to be with you for who you are if he wants youto change my boyfriend laughs and jokes along with me about mine he doesnt care what others think of me or us
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to be honest i hant shaved my legs for 4 month and there like my brothers lmao, its winter also and i just dont see the point if im not going to wear skirts in the winter and i only wear shorts around the house my brother and his mates just laugh along with it im going to only shave them once cause im going to a party then leaving them till i need to do them ha
but its upto you if you dont want to do it its your body dont do it for someone else like i said the guy aint worth your time and doesnt want to be with you for who you are if he wants youto change my boyfriend laughs and jokes along with me about mine he doesnt care what others think of me or us
# posted by : 12:35 AM
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